There were two things in Norway in the 1800's that caused many of the Norwegians to leave their homeland and seek property in America. One reason was an ancient law by which land passed from one family member to another. It prohibited the common man from buying land. The other reason was the oppressive tax situation, which kept him forever shackled to the landowner. After hearing many good reports from those who had gone to America earlier, whole families left their homeland for a land where they could own land, change their occupations if they so desired, and have a voice in determining their own government.

Ole Johnson Skrien had served in the Norwegian Army from 1866-1871. On May 5, 1874, he left Bergen, Norway, at the age of 27 years for America. His ship docked in New York 3 weeks later.

Kari Sanden, Ole's future wife, came to America with her family in 1871. Because of strong headwinds the trip took them thirteen weeks. They both settled in Iowa. In March 1878, Ole Johnson Skrien and Kari Sanden were married. In 1880, they and their one daughter came to Dakota Territory settling in Section 26, Washburn Township. They made the trip by covered wagon, drawn by two oxen, having to drive their cattle alongside.

Three years later, Ole Skrien had broken 32 acres, had raised 215 bushels of wheat and 160 bushels of oats. They had good crops for 3 years but a drought for the next few years caused him to work part-time for the railroad. After 'drying out' for 10 years, Mr. and Mrs. Skrien and four children decided to sell their land and move to Minnesota.

Ole and Kari Skrien celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary at Ulen, Minnesota in 1938. There were seven children in the family. Mrs. Skrien died in 1938 and Mr. Skrien died in 1941 at the age of 96 years.

Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 489